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The SPCA of Westchester announced on Wednesday, May 29 that an investigation launched by their Humane Law Enforcement Unit and the Yorktown Police Department led to the arrest of Michelle DiGennaro, 44, who was charged with animal cruelty.
It is alleged that DiGennaro failed to provide adequate food, water, or veterinary care for her Australian Cattle Dog, which has now been named Boomer.
Officers from the Yorktown Police Department responded to an Elanor Drive home in Mohegan Lake on May 9, where there was a report of a skinny, malnourished dog.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found Boomer, who was “in an advanced state of emaciation and dehydration due to extreme neglect.” He was taken to The SPCA of Westchester’s Simpson Clinic for emergency medical care and attention, and has since begun his recovery.
According to the SPCA, an examination by veterinarians determined that the dog’s state of emaciation was consistent with starvation for a prolonged period. The skull, ribs, hip and pelvic bones were visibly prominent when he was rescued. Officials said that the dog was denied necessary food and water resulting in him being underweight by 20 pounds, which is 50 percent of his body weight.
“We are extremely grateful that someone called to report about Boomer, who must have been suffering for months,” Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA Executive Director said. “Thanks to the SPCA’s team, Boomer is now receiving the love and medical care he was so cruelly denied.”
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